In this article from SlashGear, the author explains a rising trend: web browsers aren’t just tools for viewing pages any more, but are evolving into active, “agentic” AI assistants that carry out multi-step tasks on behalf of users. Instead of merely returning search results, “agentic” browsers can book flights, compare shopping deals, even interact with several tabs, summarize information and take action — all directed by a user’s high-level intent.
The core difference lies in what “agentic AI” actually means. Whereas traditional AI chat-tools respond to prompts, agentic AI plans, executes and adapts to achieve a goal, often across multiple steps and data sources. In the browser context this means the AI can interact with web elements, navigate pages, fill forms and complete workflows autonomously, rather than waiting on explicit user clicks.
However, the article also emphasizes the risks. Because agentic browsers often need access to sensitive data (email, cloud storage, payment info) and may act with less direct user oversight, they introduce privacy and security concerns. The author flags issues such as prompt-injection vulnerabilities, access to personal accounts and the possibility of mistakes by the AI executing on your behalf.
For users and organisations alike, the takeaway is clear: we’re entering a new phase of web interaction, one where browsing might mean delegating tasks to intelligent agents rather than simply consuming content. But embracing that future means grappling with how we control, monitor and secure those agents — especially when they act autonomously.
